Evidence that a component of certain plastics causes health problems in animals has raised concerns that the chemical may pose a health threat to humans.

The chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA), is used to produce polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins and is found in such products as water bottles, baby bottles, food containers, compact discs, and dental sealants. Humans are exposed to this high-production–volume chemical when it leaches into foods or possibly through inhalation or other routes. In fact, tests by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the chemical in the urine of 95% of 394 individuals in a reference sample of US adults (Calafat AM et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113[4]:391-395). BPA is an estrogen mimic and may interact with estrogen receptors.